A man fired shots at the building of the Third Regional Police Station in Sofia, a police officer slightly injured

A 64-year-old man fired shots at the Third Regional Police Station in Sofia early this morning, January 10.

Around 7.45, gunfire was heard, resulting in the breaking of windows on the third floor of the 3rd Police Station in the capital. There were several shots, according to people living in nearby apartment blocks.

The police officers on duty undertook immediate action. One policeman was injured while arresting the perpetrator. He suffered minor bruises. An ambulance arrived at the scene in 5 minutes and rendered assistance on the spot. The police officer refused hospitalisation.

The shooter lives in Sveta Troitsa (St. Trinity) residential district in Sofia. He has previous criminal record: one for illegal possession of ammunition, the other for hooliganism, but both have been suspended due to mental illness.

The Ministry of Interior said the man opened fire with a hunting rifle for which he did not have a permit. He was arrested shortly after that and taken to a psychiatric hospital, as it became clear that there was also a warrant for detention and transfer to a mental institution.

Pre-trial proceedings have been initiated in the case. It is being investigated how the shooter obtained the weapon.

Images by BGNES